Extras
or, Special Rules for Fate of Empire
Magic
Magic is an important element in Fate of Empire not only for its effect on the world, but because it is a political statement. To use magic is to diminish one’s ability to use steam tech, and implies a rejection of the progress it promises. That is not to say that mages may not be modernists; however, the vast majority reject and actively fight this “march of progress”. The tules can be found under Magic in Fate of Empire.
Steampunk Technology
The total of all skills in magic and technology (when both exist in the same character) must equal zero. Another way to express this is that technology and magic do not play well together. Machines seize up, lose gears or malfunction in areas of magical power; conversely, spells are stunted, tricky and unreliable when cast in a room with heavy machinery.
Since the Queen came around to her late husband’s thinking regarding the role of technology in society, there is no longer a stigma associated with steam tech (although, it is wise not to bring up the Frankenstein name, just in case). Therefore, no known secret societies exist for its advancement. Indeed, the Royal Society for Technical Advancement has grown so influential, any other groups might be considered superfluous.
Game Mechanics
Most places in the world are assumed to be wholly neutral relative to questions of magic or steamtech, and in these cases those actions work as advertised. No extraneous rolls or difficulties necessarily apply; however, some locations do possess an inherent slant in one direction or another. These locations may affect the ease or safety of using an opposing force (that is, magic in a technological area, or vice versa).
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